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Thursday, February 01, 2018

Simon's mother-in-law was unable to meet the needs of her guests. She was unable to serve because something was holding her back. In her case, it was a physical sickness, one that left her incapacitated. But at the touch of Christ's hand, her fever left her and her ability to serve was restored to her. Her encounter with Christ enabled her to serve once again.
There are also parts of our lives that hold us back from our call and ability to serve the world. It may not be a physical illness, but it may be fear, previous obligations, excuses, bad attitudes or ignorance. Any of these can be just as debilitating when it comes to living out our call to serve. We must let ourselves be touched by Christ. When we are, we too can be restored to our vocation of service to all.

Restoring God, enter our hearts and remove all that keeps us from our call to service in the world. Send us out to do your good work that all may know and experience your gospel of love. Amen.

Mark 1:29-39 (NRSV)

29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once.31 He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons.33 And the whole city was gathered around the door.34 And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him.37 When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you."38 He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do."39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

This God Pause daily devotion is brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary.

Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.